CSRD spotlight: Navigating challenges in value chain reporting

The European Union (EU) has ushered in a new era of sustainability reporting, as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is now effective. With impacts to both EU and non-EU headquartered companies, now is the time to understand the reporting requirements of this sweeping new regulation. Continuing our CSRD series, this week we dive into a core component of reporting under the directive: the value chain. The CSRD will extend reporting to a company’s direct and indirect business relationships and activities across its value chain, which is expected to be one of the more challenging areas of compliance. In this episode, host Heather Horn is joined by PwC sustainability director Luca Bonaccorsi to discuss the concept of value chain reporting and what companies can do to navigate this “quantum leap” in reporting. In this episode, you’ll hear: 3:00 - What the value chain is, and its importance in the context of CSRD and sustainability reporting 6:27 – The importance of upstream and downstream (i.e., across the whole product life cycle from manufacturing to end use) value chain considerations 13:27 - How to assess the relevance of information from the different levels of the value chain 18:28 - The role of materiality in identifying and disclosing value chain risks 21:19 - Where to start in gathering information for impact reporting 23:59 – Updates on implementation guidance from the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) 29:07 - Key benefits companies can gain from value chain reporting 32:42 – Actions companies can take to improve the quality of value chain data during the CSRD transitional provision period 40:34 - Best practices to navigate uncertainty when preparing for final effectiveness of reporting Looking for more information on the CSRD and reporting requirements? Check out our publications Worldwide impact of CSRD - are you ready? and Take the next step - decide how to report under CSRD for further details. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for future episodes in this CSRD spotlight miniseries, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get all of our thought leadership. Luca Bonaccorsi is a sustainability director at PwC based in Belgium. Prior to joining the firm, he previously served in ESG and sustainable finance roles, and had career experience in investment banking and investigative journalism. He is a co-author of the EU Taxonomy technical criteria, and serves as a member of the Sustainability Reporting Technical Expert Group (SRT) at EFRAG. Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting. Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.